The Ocean Race announced on Mar. 18 that St. Pete-Clearwater, Florida, will serve as the starting point for a new transatlantic leg to Cascais, Portugal, during its 15th edition in May 2027.
This marks the first time in the race’s 54-year history that Florida’s Gulf Coast will host a departure port for this iconic fully-crewed offshore sailing event. The new leg is expected to bring international attention and visitors to St. Pete-Clearwater, connecting two prominent sailing destinations across a challenging 4,500-nautical-mile journey.
Rob Britts, Stopover Director for St. Pete-Clearwater, said: “The Ocean Race embodies much of what our community already represents: a deep tradition of ocean racing and a strong commitment to ocean science, sustainability, marine innovation, STEM education, and tourism. We’re incredibly excited to welcome this event and the global spotlight it brings, but we’re even more excited about the lasting legacy it can create for our community for years to come.”
During the stopover scheduled from May 4-16 at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club along downtown’s waterfront—held in partnership with the University of South Florida—the public will be able to visit an interactive race village featuring team boat viewings and dock walks as well as exhibits focused on sailing and ocean conservation initiatives.
Steve Grimes, chief marketing officer for Visit St. Pete-Clearwater said: “It’s an honor to be selected as the North American destination on this prestigious race that encompasses some of the globe’s most iconic coastal communities… Everyone can expect a memorable stop-over experience for The Ocean Race.” Commodore Christian Bergstrom of St. Petersburg Yacht Club added: “We are honored to see that legacy continue as St. Petersburg enters a new chapter and becomes the North American stopover for The Ocean Race in 2027.”
Tom Frazer, dean of USF College of Marine Science said: “We’re super excited to welcome The Ocean Race teams to our waterfront campus in downtown St. Petersburg… Advancements in science, technology and ocean education will be on full display.” Richard Brisius, Race Chairman of The Ocean Race remarked: “Departing from the shores of St. Pete-Clearwater and arriving in the historic sailing waters of Cascais is a way to connect two coastal cities with enormous passion for the ocean.”
Following its stay at St. Pete-Clearwater—the fleet’s first U.S.-based Gulf Coast port—the IMOCA class boats will cross the Atlantic toward Portugal before concluding later legs through additional international ports.
